In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease. In 1998 I created The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore!, and I am the co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.

By Scott Adams

Published on 07/26/1996

The House of Representatives has, once again, acknowledged
celiac disease. It has passed the fundi

The House of Representatives has, once again, acknowledged
celiac disease. It has passed the funding bill for the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), which includes the NIH. The report language
detailed below was included in that legislation. This language serves
as guidance from Congress to the NIH to focus on certain issues (in
this case celiac disease).

A special round of thanks is due Representative Nita
Lowey (D-NY) for her tireless efforts on behalf of the celiac community.
Further thanks go out to Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH), Chairman,
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education, for his leadership
on this important bill.

We now wait to see what happens with the Senate version
of the funding bill, and whether it is passed before the Congress adjourns
later this month.

HR 5006; Passed House on Sept. 9, 2004
House Report. 108-636

"Celiac disease.--The Committee commends NIDDK for
recognizing the lack of understanding, and under-diagnosis of the genetic,
autoimmune disorder, Celiac disease (CD), and for including celiac disease in the
NIH Consensus Development Program for 2004. Although readily diagnosed
in European countries, it takes on average eleven years for Americans
to be properly diagnosed. Delays in diagnosis place individuals at risk
for osteoporosis, anemia, miscarriages, and small bowel cancer. Current
evidence demonstrates that celiac disease is the most common genetic disorder in the
world, with a treatment-- strict, gluten-free diet--that can be managed
almost exclusively by the individual, or family. Education about celiac disease is
needed for health care professionals and patients. The Committee encourages
NIDDK to coordinate informational and educational programs directed at
health professionals, patients and the public to raise awareness and understanding
about CD, and the need for early diagnosis."